The first real application of my learning acquired through the Lamar University Master of Educational Technology Leadership was the La Vernia ISD/Edgewood ISD Collaborative T3 Grant I co-wrote. I used all the research and concepts from my EDLD 5306 Concepts of educational Technology to form the basis of the grant activities based upon the Texas STaR Chart primary needs assessment. I also designed the professional development plan based on both my experience and course content. The Digital Native/Digital Immigrant concepts from Marc Prensky and Armstrong and Warlick's 4-Es concepts formed the basis of the grant initiative. Information from my EDLD 5344 School Law class was most helpful regarding meeting NCLB legal requirements.
Unfortunately, although our consortium made it to the final round, we did not receive an award in Round One. We remain hopeful for a Round Two as the reviewer's Major Strengths comments included some very positive comments:
"As a general comment, this was one of the best applications I have ever read. ...I like the 'bonded' Masters Degree program you have implemented (I wish I had thought of it!) Your program is truly sustainable. The ITL training for your administrators should impact all administrators, who in turn will impact their teachers. The teachers/technologists receiving the M. Ed. degrees will be a part of your program for at least two more years. Your netbook solution is a great start to a 1:1 status. I also like the dual credit courses listed as a part of your grant."
"There is a good balance of onsite and online scientifically research-based professional development."
"I consider the emphasis on the success of the students to be the major strength of this application."
"Research is used effectively."
Here is our T3 Grant application narrative in its as-submitted form:
Unfortunately, although our consortium made it to the final round, we did not receive an award in Round One. We remain hopeful for a Round Two as the reviewer's Major Strengths comments included some very positive comments:
"As a general comment, this was one of the best applications I have ever read. ...I like the 'bonded' Masters Degree program you have implemented (I wish I had thought of it!) Your program is truly sustainable. The ITL training for your administrators should impact all administrators, who in turn will impact their teachers. The teachers/technologists receiving the M. Ed. degrees will be a part of your program for at least two more years. Your netbook solution is a great start to a 1:1 status. I also like the dual credit courses listed as a part of your grant."
"There is a good balance of onsite and online scientifically research-based professional development."
"I consider the emphasis on the success of the students to be the major strength of this application."
"Research is used effectively."
Here is our T3 Grant application narrative in its as-submitted form: